Prophet Musa: the baby in the river
Part 1The baby in the river
Long ago, Pharaoh ruled the land of Egypt. His great power had made him proud and cruel. He divided the people into groups and oppressed the Children of Israel. Afraid that they would grow strong, he ordered his soldiers to kill their newborn baby boys.
Then a baby boy was born among the Children of Israel. His mother loved him dearly, and she was afraid the soldiers would come for him. But Allah had a plan. He inspired her to place her baby in a chest and put it into the river, and He promised her: do not fear and do not grieve. He would return her son to her and make him one of His messengers.
Musa's mother trusted Allah. She laid baby Musa gently in the chest and set it on the water. Then she asked Musa's sister to follow it from a distance and see where it went.
The river carried the chest all the way to Pharaoh's household. Pharaoh's people found the baby and took him in, and Allah put love for Musa in the heart of Pharaoh's wife. She asked them not to kill him and said he could be a comfort to them.
At home, Musa's mother was so worried that her heart felt empty, but Allah made her heart strong. Then the palace needed someone to care for the baby. Musa's sister came forward and told them about a family who could look after him. And so Musa was brought back to his own mother. Allah's promise had come true.
Part 2Musa leaves Egypt
Years passed, and Musa grew into a strong young man. Allah gave him wisdom and knowledge. But Pharaoh's people were still treating the Children of Israel unjustly.
One day in the city, Musa saw two men fighting: one from the Children of Israel and one from Pharaoh's people. The man from his own people called to Musa for help. Musa struck the other man, and the man died, although Musa had not meant to kill him.
Musa knew at once that this was wrong. He turned to Allah and prayed: “My Lord, I have wronged myself, so forgive me.” And Allah forgave him. Musa learned a lesson for life: when we make a mistake, we don't run away from Allah. We return to Him.
Soon a man came running from the far end of the city with a warning: the chiefs were planning to kill Musa, and he had to leave. So Musa left Egypt alone, without wealth or helpers, praying: “My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people.” He set out towards the land of Madyan, trusting Allah to guide his way.
